In 1994, no one knew the first Tekken installation would evolve into a successful series of eight intense fighting video games – with the latest one launching right now! But is it any better than its incredibly popular predecessor, Tekken 7?
Eight long years have passed since the memorable release of Tekken 7. But as January this year marks the grand launch of Tekken 8, it’s time to compare the two to discover how the series evolved throughout that time. The spreading news, multiplying predictions, and fierce discussions prove Tekken 8 may be the entire franchise’s dark horse, but is it worth it? Let’s find out!
| Category | Tekken 7 | Tekken 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics and visuals | Unreal Engine 4 | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Character roster | 52 playable characters | 32 playable characters (right now) |
| Game Modes | Story Mode, Arcade, Practice, Online Ranked, and Versus | Story Mode, Arcade Quest, Practice, Online Ranked, and Versus |
| New Gameplay Mechanics | Introduces Rage Art system | Introduces Heat system and Arcade Quest mode |
| Storyline | Fierce conflict between Heihachi Mishima and Kazuya | Continuation of rivalry between father and son |
| Multiplayer | Local PvP (2 players) and Online PvP (up to 8 players). | Local PvP (2 players), Online PvP (up to 16 players), and Cross-platform play |
| Overall | Kept fans interested for 8 years | Better fighting game with new features |
| Customization | Limited customization options | Extensive character customization, including hairstyles, clothes, and accessories |
Tekken 7 – experience at its best
Tekken 7 had the most challenging job of keeping loyal fans interested for eight years. If this video game had been worthless, no one would have expected Tekken 8 to arrive in 2024 with such enthusiastic anticipation. But that doesn’t mean T7 is perfect! On the contrary, players point out its flaws, which may (or may not) improve in the recent installation. Therefore, let’s start by examining what the previous game was about.
Tekken 7 was the first to appear not only on PS4 and Xbox One consoles but also on PC. It became famous for one of the darkest narratives in the series’ record, focusing on the fierce conflict between Heihachi Mishima and his son, Kazuya. The game features 52 playable characters and two new mechanics – Power Crush and Rage Attack. Moreover, Unreal Engine 4 significantly improved the visuals, making one-on-one fights incredibly satisfying.
All these, paired with balanced mechanics, various game modes (including multiplayer), and constant dev support, kept it fresh for the last eight years.
Tekken 8 – a rising star of the fighting genre
While Tekken 7 used the best the series had to offer and spiced it up with minor tweaks here and there, Tekken 8 takes a bolder approach to evolving proven solutions. The recent installation focuses on bringing back some familiar mechanics and introducing new ones to integrate the experience with novelty. But enough talking, let’s get to the detailed comparison!
Graphics and visuals
Visuals represent the significant difference between the two games, as we can easily see Tekken 8 making great use of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S mighty capabilities. Characters look much more alive, and gone are their dead-like expressions. Seeing how unrealistic the same heroes appeared eight years ago encourages to wonder if Tekken 7’s graphics ever looked good.
The T8’s environments, clothing textures, attack animations, and skin shading are so beautiful – all thanks to Unreal Engine 5, which brutally dethrones Tekken 7 in the visual experience department.
Character roster
Tekken 8 features 32 playable characters, less than Tekken 7’s 52, but it is still one of the most impressive rosters in the entire fighting genre. 29 heroes arrive from past installations, but three new ones — Azucena, Reina, and Victor — significantly refresh the experience. Azucena, the Coffee Queen, is a Peruvian fighter blessed with a fierce personality and vigorous moves.
Reina Mishima is the illegitimate daughter of Heihachi Mishima, playing a crucial role in the Tekken 8’s lore. And Victor Chevalier from France is the charismatic UN founder, voiced by excellent Vincent Cassel (known from legendary movies like Black Swan or Ocean’s Thirteen).
The character roster still doesn’t make the T8 game better, but customization does. The extensive character editor does a great job of providing creative options like changeable hairstyles, hair color, accessories, and clothes. New upgrades unlock throughout gameplay, and this multitude of customization alternatives noticeably surpasses Tekken 7.
Gameplay
The entire Tekken series evolved on a solid foundation of familiar rules, so the two games are likely to be similar to each other in this regard. Tekken 7 introduces a brand-new Rage Art system. Tekken 8 delivers a unique Heat system leveling up combat excitement and a single-player Arcade Quest mode, including novelties like the ability to create your avatar for more immersive competition.
Storyline
Tekken 8’s ‘The Dark Awakens’ story mode continues the fascinating tale of the brutal rivalry between father and son. Jin Kazama confronts Kazuya Mishima’s desire to devastate the familiar world using his impressive powers. Warriors choose sides to battle in fierce one-on-one fights and ultimately decide the fate of their universe. Is this narrative better than in Tekken 7?
It is a direct continuation, and the reception of the plot is rather subjective – but Tekken 8’s lore content is considerably bigger than that of Tekken 7, so the new game has a definite advantage over its predecessor in this category.
Multiplayer
By supporting local PvP multiplayer for two players, online PvP multiplayer for up to sixteen people, and cross-platform fun, Tekken 8 boosts the competitive factor, as Tekken 7 only supports multiplayer for up to 8 players. Moreover, the T8 game improves online matchmaking and netcode – so you can expect a finer multiplayer experience.
Tekken 8 vs Tekken 7 – which is better?
Even such a brief comparison reveals the ultimate truth – Tekken 8 is a better fighting game. All new features like highly-detailed graphics, extensive multiplayer, a massive plot, a multitude of customization options, and an exciting character roster make it the best genre recommendation on the market, defeating great titles like Street Fighter 6.
By developing such a game, Bandai Namco proved that classic solutions perfectly embrace the technological revolution to deliver a product that is both familiar and innovative. Longtime Tekken fans will undoubtedly enjoy the continuation of the legendary story enhanced with subtle and much-needed changes. And new players can count on an intuitive tutorial welcoming them to this exciting and brutal world of digital martial arts.